Plantar Fibroma Cysts

A plantar fibroma cyst is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. The cyst is buried deep within the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes under the foot. A plantar fibroma can develop in one or both feet and is non-malignant. The mass usually will not go away without treatment.

UFAI the Best Choice for Plantar Fibromatosis Treatment

Accurate diagnosis of cysts and proper treatment selection is essential for a successful treatment. Our podiatrists have are experts at identifying all masses of the the foot and ankle. We are proud to offer the very latest diagnosis and treatment technologies available, all in a professional, relaxed environment.

Proper evaluation of cysts is important to eliminate a more serious medical condition.

Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma Cyst

Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the cyst and include:

Firm lump in the arch of the foot.

Pain may or may not be present

Increased pain when wearing shoes that press on the arch or when standing and walking when barefoot.

Diagnosing Plantar Fibromatosis

To diagnose a plantar fibroma cyst, your doctor examines the foot by pressing on the affected area. This touch examination may produce pain that extends the length of the foot. An MRI or biopsy may be performed to further evaluate the lump.

Plantar Fibroma Cyst Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of your plantar fibromatosis, your physician may follow one or more of these non-surgical options:

Steroid and Corticosteroid injections

These may help shrink the mass and relieve the pain. This reduction may be only temporary and the mass may return to its original size, and possibly multiply

Topical medication

Certain topical medications, such as Verapamil 15% transdermal gel, have been shown to reduce the size plantar fibromas if applied consistently for several months. This is a non-invasive way to treat plantar fibromas.

Orthotic devices.

If the fibroma is stable, meaning it is not changing in size, custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts) may be made to relieve pain by distributing body weight away from the fibroma.

Anti Inflammatory Medications.

These meds such as Advil, Motrin and aspirin can be helpful in alleviating pain and swelling. Please do not take these on an empty stomach as they can cause bleeding in your stomach or other issues.

Plantar fibroma is scar tissue. It is a hereditary condition that will not go away with trigger or massage therapy. If the mass increases in size or pain, surgical treatment may be used to remove the fibroma.

Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fibromatosis

Your surgeon will make an incision that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The fatty tissue layer on the bottom of the foot then exposes the thick fibrous plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, which includes the benign fibromas, extends from the bottom of the heel, through the arch, to the ball of the foot. The fibroma removal requires careful separation from deeper soft tissues structures, and small nerves. Once the fibroma has been removed, the bottom of the foot is stitched closed.

A drain may be placed into the site to prevent blood and other fluids from collecting. This is removed from three to five days. You will be asked to use crutches for a minimum of three weeks. Post-operative care includes rest, ice, elevation, and cleaning the site.

Orthotics are generally recommended to support the arch of the foot, which has been weakened by removal of the plantar fibroma. Although you may resume walking about one month after the surgery, normal activities, including sports, usually resume in about three months. There may be some residual tenderness in the area of the incision.

Due to the high incidence of recurrence with this condition, we strongly suggest that you follow-up with your surgeon.

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